Hard Drive Controllers

Hard drives are the permanent memories of computers (although other types of electronics now use them). Data are written to a hard drive so they can later be read, used, modified or transferred. The hard drive controller manages computer hard drives--both internal hard drives and external hard drives. (An external hard drive is simply a hard drive controller in a hard drive enclosure, rather than inside a computer.)

The most common hard drive controller architecture is IDE (for Integrated Drive Electronics); SCSI (pronounced "skuzzy" for Small Computer Systems Interface) and ESDI (for Enhanced Small Device Interface) are also popular. Several sub-categories may be found in each of the architectures. These are not interchangeable, so be sure to know exactly the controller your hard drive requires before you buy. The Overstock.com computer store can save you a lot of money on your electronics, but can't morph MACs into PCs, or vice-versa.

IDE hard drive controllers are usually capable of hosting four devices: hard drive, floppy drive, CD burner and DVD burner, for example. To add additional computer equipment, additional hard drive controller cards are needed. Also, like all machines, hard drive controllers can malfunction, requiring replacement. If that happens, data could be lost, so be ready by copying all data files to an external hard drive for safety.

Whatever your computer hard drive architecture, Overstock.com has a replacement or add-on hard drive controller when you need it, at a discount computer price you can always use.